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Statement of Purpose - Understand and Apply to the Home

Statement of Purpose - Understand and Apply to the Home

Scope of this chapter

Children’s Homes are required to produce an individual Statement of Purpose, which must be regularly reviewed, at least annually and if changes are made to the home.

The following information should be included in the homes SOP:

  • Quality and Purpose of Care;
  • Children’s Views, Wishes and Feelings;
  • Education;
  • Enjoyment and Achievement;
  • Health Promotion;
  • Positive Relationships;
  • The Protection of Children;
  • Leadership and Management;
  • Care Planning;
  • Staffing Information, including qualifications;
  • Data Protection;
  • Organisational Structure.

Regulations and Standards

The Quality and Purpose of Care Standard
Regulation 6(2) (a) and (b) i
Regulation 16
Schedule 1

Related guidance

Derbyshire County Council has 11 childrens homes consisting of:

  • 4 disability homes (short break and long stay homes); and
  • 7 children’s homes of varying size which can accommodate between 4 to 6 children and young people, aged 11 - 17 years (we can accommodate young people up to 18 years with permission from Ofsted and the Director of Children’s Services.

All of the 7 homes provide medium / long term care for children and young people.

Each home has an individual Statement of Purpose and Children’s Guide which is specific to that particular home which provides details of the ethos of the home and how it runs. These documents are updated on a regular basis, at least annually and/or when changes occur and are monitored by Ofsted (who inspect the homes to ensure that the homes are providing an appropriate and suitable service). The homes are graded by Ofsted on inspection which can range from inadequate, requires improvement, good and outstanding.

Each home strives to achieve the highest quality care and levels of safeguarding. A social pedagogical parenting model underpins all practices and the Statement of Purpose outlines the following:

  • Meeting the social, emotional, educational, health and behavioural needs of young people;
  • Values, principles and processes related to all aspects of safeguarding and caring for young people;
  • The service, location and facilities provided and the home’s aims and objectives;
  • The range of needs the home is able to meet, the Referral and Placement Matching and admission process;
  • Staffing information.

Parent’s, carers, social workers and other professionals will be provided with a copy of the Statement of Purpose on request. Children and young people will be provided with a copy of the  Children’s Guide for information which the staff will go through on admission to the home to ensure the Children and young people understand its content. Staff in the home will provide a copy of the most recent Ofsted inspection report on request.

The Statement of Purpose should be readily available for the Regulation 44 Independent Visitor and the OFSTED Inspector.

Last Updated: July 15, 2024

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